The artwork “P. T. Barnum,” created by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, is an exemplar of the Kitsch art movement and falls under the genre of caricature. This piece belongs to the series “Every Man Rides His Own Hobby.”
The artwork portrays a highly exaggerated and humorous depiction of a man with distinct facial features and a top hat labeled “P. T. Barnum.” He is depicted riding a toy elephant which is part of a wheeled platform decorated with the phrase “The Greatest Show on Earth.” A small figure beside him holds a flag with an elephant emblem, contributing to the whimsical and lighthearted nature of the piece. The overall composition and style are characteristic of Coolidge’s work in this series, aligning with the playful and often satirical essence of caricature.
